Merchant Automotive Merchant Automotive Deluxe Filter Head Rebuild Kit, Duramax | 2001 - 2010

Typically, we would not want to remove any factory sensors. However, we are working with a sensor that has a few shortcomings. First is the accuracy of the sensor itself. In its 10 plus years on the Duramax, it has not shown to be the most reliable at actually detecting any water in the filter. Second, it's made of plastic. Not normally a big deal but after a few filter changes, it must be removed and reinstalled every time. It can become distorted or otherwise damaged from using the incorrect tool for service. Third, the wires on the OE sensor can become brittle and break from heat and vibration in the engine compartment, rendering the sensor useless and often unnoticed until the next service.

Our plug is precision machined in house on our HAAS machining equipment to exact specifications. It was designed to be a direct replacement for the factory plastic sensor. One thing we have noticed with the recent advent of the plastic body filters available on the market is that our plug does not fit some of them. The reason is the Delete Plug is machined from T6061 aluminum and there is no give in the threads like the OE plastic sensor has. The plastic body filters feature sensor threads that are molded into the body, thus they tend to vary and in a few circumstances, our Plug will not be able to be fully tightened. The use of the metal body filters such as the AC Delco TP3018 we offer will ensure a correct fit.